Lahbab Desert: Location, Safari and Camping

The Lahbab Desert allows tourists to enjoy sand skiing, quad biking, dune bashing, traditional music and dance performances, and even world-class BBQ platters. You should visit Lahbab Desert if you are a desert enthusiast as it provides a premium desert vacation experience.    

You can visit the Lahbab Desert with your family and friends as there is no age limit to visit it. However, some activities may have age restrictions for safety reasons. Most importantly, you will be able to enjoy the sheesha facility and indulge in fine alcoholic beverages freely.

What is the Lahbab Desert?

Lahbab desert is a desert surrounding a village called Lahbab. Lahbab is located 50km south of Dubai. The residents of the Lahbab village are rich Bedouins with connections to the royal family. The people here take great pride in camel breeding and raising. They are also very friendly and warm towards the tourists. Upon arrival, the tourists are welcomed with Arabian coffee, sweets, and soft drinks.

In the Lahbab desert, you can enjoy camel races, camel riding, sand skiing, dune bashing, quad bikes, etc., in the morning. In the evening, different activities are planned for the tourists in the traditional Bedouin-style camps. In the camp, they are served a delicious BBQ dinner with exquisite alcoholic drinks while they enjoy traditional Tanoura Dance performances and belly dances. Separate toilet facilities are also available for men and women. You’ll find clean hygiene products in the toilet.  There are also Hookah and sheesha services available.

Where is the Lahbab Desert Located?

The Lahbab Desert is situated just 50 km south of Dubai. It is located on the highway between Dubai and Sharjah. The area around Lahbab is called Lahbab desert. It is a sandy desert that is ideal for quad bikes, camel riding, and sand skiing. People staying in Dubai can arrange visits to the Lahbab desert because of its convenient location. Most hotels in Dubai are happy to arrange a visit to the Lahbab desert because it is nearby and provides entertainment for tourists.  Ask your hotel to find out if they can arrange a trip for you with booking for the attractions.

Activities and Facilities in Lahbab Desert

The following seven activities and facilities are available at the Lahbab Desert:

Dune Bashing:

One of the most popular activities of the Lahbab desert is the Dune Bashing. You will be able to go off-road during dune bashing and experience an adrenaline rush as you drift across in the luxurious 4×4 Land Cruiser. You can also pay a little extra for photography or videography experience.

The drivers are professionally trained to handle the cars during dune bashing and ensure your safety. Everyone can enjoy this activity except children under the age of 3, pregnant women, and people with back or heart problems. Dune Bashing is usually included in the payment of the trip to the Lahbab desert so you don’t have to pay for it separately. 

Camel Riding:

Camel Riding is perfect for those who prefer peaceful and calming activities. In the Lahbab Desert, you will be able to enjoy a ride on the back of the camel for 10-15 minutes. It is a nod to the traditional Bedouin lifestyle as the Bedouins used to travel all over the land on camels.

During the ride, you will be guided by local experts through the stunning Lahbab desert. They will answer your questions about the local history and customs. Additionally, the camels used for this activity are docile and well-trained.  Children under the age of 5 cannot ride the camels. Lastly, Camel Riding is usually free for the tourists.

Sandboarding:

Sandboarding is another fun activity that is sure to get you excited. There is just something special about surfing through the red dunes of the Lahbab desert on a board. However, it is a risky activity so tourists are recommended to enjoy this activity only if they are trained in sandboarding. The service providers are not responsible for any injuries or damages the rider of the sandboard may sustain.

We recommend that tourists buy International Travel Insurance as activities like sandboarding are quite risk-prone. Children below 16 are not allowed to sandboard. It is not an expensive activity and most trip organizers offer sandboarding for free. 

Arabic Dress Photography:

There are traditional Arabic dresses available for you to dress up and take memorable photos with your family. This service is very popular among families who are trying to create fun pictures for their photo books. You can choose the dress of your choice from the massive available variety. It is a budget-friendly activity that your children will remember for a long time.

Quad Bikes:

Quad Bikes offer the peak of excitement and adrenaline rush. Drifting and sliding over the sandy dunes of the Lahbab on a speedy quad bike can take your breath away and provide you with an unmatchable thrilling experience. Quad Bike activity can cost you around AED 200-250 ($55-$68) in the Lahbab. But the high-end services in Safari can cost you even AED 2000 ($545). So it is better to talk with multiple service providers and compare their prices to avoid overpaying for quad bikes.

You will be given safety equipment like helmet and knee pads but the service provider company is not responsible for any injuries/ damages. Children under 16, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing health conditions cannot ride Quad bikes.  We also recommend that you don’t eat anything before this activity to avoid feeling sick during the ride.

Henna Painting:

You can get a free henna tattoo or ask our artist to draw the pattern of your choice on your hands. It is usually free with most trip packages. Henna painting is also a tribute to the ancient Bedouin lifestyle. We recommend that you don’t get a henna tattoo if you are prone to skin allergies or have some skin condition that may flare up.

Music and Dance Performances:

In the evening, a stage will be set up for entertaining performances. Trained male dancers will perform the traditional Tanoura Dance which is captivating and sensational. There will also be belly dancing and music performances for the tourists as they enjoy the cool desert evening.

What Can You Eat in the Lahbab Desert?

You will be welcomed with Arabian sweets, soft drinks, water, and coffee when you reach the Lahbab Desert. Some trip organizers provide refreshments throughout the day and some only on arrival at the destination. Book your trip with an organizer that provides at least drinks for the whole day because, in the scorching heat, you will need water. You can also bring your own water and refreshments to snack on.

In the evening, the tourists are led to bedouin-style camps and served delicious BBQ dinners. You can relish alcoholic drinks and sheesha or hookah too. But keep in mind that many trip organizers charge separately for alcoholic drinks. Furthermore, several resorts and restaurants are located just a short distance away from Lahbab village. You can visit them if you don’t want to eat BBQ. 

Are there any Hotels in the Lahbab Desert?

Yes, resorts and hotels are located a short drive away from the Lahbab Desert. Bab Al Shams, Sahara INN Smart Resort, and Al-Maha are some of the most luxurious hotels situated in the desert. You can stay a night in any of these resorts if you want to stay in the desert a little longer. You will find unmatchable facilities and amenities in these restaurants. 

Bab Al Shams is a desert resort that offers a spa, swimming pool, gyms, and many cafes. It is also one of the oldest desert resorts in the area with a long history of catering to guests from all over the world. It offers fancy suits that provide a breathtaking view of the desert at night. Besides this, Bab AL Shams is renowned for its authentic Arabian-style cafe, AL Hadheerah. The Al Hadheerah boosts a cozy outdoor space overlooking the desert and clear skies. It offers authentic Middle Eastern cuisines, mouth-watering buffets, and live cooking stations.

Sahara INN Smart Resort and Camping is another rare desert hotel that provides top-notch services. The accommodation of Sahara INN is a fusion of modern comfort and traditional Bedouin-style camps. The camp accommodation possesses everything an upscale hotel room should have. The tents are set up at a little distance from each other for privacy.  The property is also fully secured.   People stay here to experience living in tents and outdoor spaces in desert terrain.

There are also picnic areas, sitting areas, gardens, and outdoor fireplaces for guests to enjoy. In addition, the food at Sahara INN is exceptional. They offer continental breakfast and extravagant buffets. Breakfast in the room service is also available. It is a great place to enjoy outdoor accommodation and camping in the desert.

How much does a Trip to the Lahbab Desert safari cost?

Most trip organizers charge between  AED 110 to AED 185 ($30-$50) for a trip to Lahbab city with pick-and-drop services, activities, and BBQ dinner. The prices are reasonable and budget-friendly. However, the price of the trip will increase if you want an extended trip with more activities.

What is the best time to Visit the Lahbab Desert?

The best time to visit the Lahbab Desert is to leave in the late morning around 12 PM so that you can reach the Lahbab desert early and enjoy all the morning activities. Your trip organizers will probably pick you up in the morning and then drop you off at the agreed spot after you have had the mouthwatering BBQ dinner. 

How to Dress to Visit the Lahbab Desert?

There is no mandatory dress code for visiting the Lahbab Desert. But you need to dress appropriately considering the weather and the activities you will be participating in. We recommend cotton pants/ trousers with the top of your choice for both men and women. Do not wear anything flowy if you are planning to enjoy quad bikes, camel rides, and sandboarding. Instead of sandals, wear solid sneakers so that you can walk in the desert conveniently.

It is also necessary to respect the local customs so women should not wear anything that exposes their legs above the knees. Besides this, certain activities, most likely quad bikes and sandboarding, will have a dress code. Make sure you follow the dress code or else you will not be allowed to do the activity. Wear hats, and sunglasses for sun protection. You also need to take a shawl or extra layer of clothing because it tends to become much cooler in the desert towards the evening.  

Tips for Visiting the Lahbab Desert

Keep these eight tips in mind for visiting the Lahbab Desert:

1. Choose a trip organizer that serves refreshments the whole day or pack your own drinks.
2. Apply sunscreen to your face and exposed body parts before you leave. Take sunscreen with you too.
3. Take sunglasses, a hat, or an umbrella with you to protect yourself against the sun.
4. Reach the pick-up spot on time or else the ride will leave without you.
5. Pack an extra layer of clothing because the desert is much cooler in the evening.
6. Go to the Lahbab desert in the late morning or afternoon otherwise, you will miss the morning attractions.
7. Avoid eating anything before you do extreme desert activities especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
8. Show respect for the local culture and do not do or say anything to disrespect the locals.

How can you Reach the Lahbab Desert from Dubai?

You don’t need to worry about routes if you book through your hotel or a traveling agency. They will pick you up from the pickup spot at the agreed time and take you to the Lahbab Desert. They will also drop you back off at the hotel or the agreed drop-off stop. Take bus routes 83, 84, and F55A, if you want to travel by bus. You can also travel through the Metro Bus. Just get off at the Damac Metro Station and from here you can either take a ride or walk to the Lahbab desert. It’s a 13-minute walk from the station to the Lahbab desert.

Summing Up

The Lahbab Desert is an amazing tourist spot away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai. Here you will find peace in the quiet sandy dunes and also thrill in the extreme desert activities. Just dress properly for the activities and be mindful of the local culture. In the evening, you will get to enjoy BBQ dinner and traditional dance performances. There are also Arabian Dress photography services to make memories. Overall, the Lahbab Desert is a great place to spend your day with your family and friends.